You're studying real people in a real community — often your own. How you do that matters as much as what you find.
This work is different from most schoolwork. You'll talk to real people, collect real data, and represent a real community — one that includes your own families and neighbors. That's a privilege and a responsibility. These standards apply to every Civic Lab, every time you go into the field.
Before you interview, record, or survey anyone, tell them who you are, what it's for, and ask permission. "Is it okay if I ask you a few questions for a school project?" If they say no, thank them and move on. No one is required to talk to you.
You are learning from people, not taking from them. Listen more than you talk. Represent what people say fairly and in context — never twist a quote to fit your argument. The community is not your raw material; it's your teacher.
Report what you actually found — including results you didn't expect or didn't want. Don't round a number in your favor, drop an inconvenient interview, or claim a small survey speaks for everyone. Your credibility is built on this.
Ask before using someone's name. Many people will share more if you offer to keep them anonymous — "a Hunts Point resident" is often enough. Never share someone's personal information, and never publish anything that could embarrass or expose a person who helped you.
Seek out people who disagree with you, and represent their view as fairly as the view you hold. The goal of this work is understanding, not winning. A study that only talked to one side isn't finished.
I will tell the truth about what I find. I will treat the people who help me with respect. I will represent every side fairly — especially the one I disagree with. And I will remember that I am studying my own community, and owe it my honesty.